NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2025

by | Aug 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2025

Some speculation over Quinn Hughes’ future with the Canucks, and potential destinations for Carey Price’s contract in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader recently asked James Mirtle if he saw the New Jersey Devils attempting to acquire Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes to reunite him with his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes is signed through 2026-27. Mirtle thinks it would be only natural for the 25-year-old defenseman to wonder about his future in Vancouver if the Canucks can’t break through and win.

The Canucks could surprise with a bounce-back performance this season that convinces Hughes to stay, but Mirtle considers it unlikely. If they don’t, he thinks management will have to consider a blockbuster trade and what the return might look like.

As for the Devils, Mirtle speculated that they might consider making that commitment next summer if Hughes really wants to join his brothers. He observed that they have over $62 million in cap space for 2027-28 before accounting for Luke’s upcoming new contract, leaving plenty of room to sign Quinn to a massive extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season will be crucial in determining Quinn Hughes’ future with the Canucks. If they struggle this season, it will only stoke the trade rumors. Even if a deal isn’t possible with the Devils, there will be potential contenders with salary-cap space willing to acquire him and sign him to an expensive long-term extension next summer.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont looked at possible trade partners for the Canadiens to move the contract of Carey Price, who has been on permanent long-term injury reserve since 2022.

The Canadiens could retain Price’s contract and use LTIR to exceed the salary cap for the coming season, but they wouldn’t be able to accrue salary-cap space during the season. It would provide them with more cap flexibility if they could find a trade partner to take that contract off their books.

There is a year remaining on Price’s contract. The average annual value is $10.5 million, but he will make $7.5 million in actual salary for 2025-26, with $5.5 million paid as a signing bonus on Sept. 1. That would make his contract palatable for rebuilding teams to remain cap compliant without paying much in actual salary if they move pending UFA players by the March trade deadline.

Dumont suggests the Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, and Pittsburgh Penguins as three potential trade partners. The Canadiens would likely have to add “a mediocre draft pick” to the deal to sweeten the pot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks have also been mentioned as a trade partner.

Price has a full no-movement clause, but he won’t use it to block the Canadiens from trading his contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2025

by | Aug 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2025

Could the Kraken trade Jared McCann? Are the Bruins peddling Fabian Lysell? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SEATTLE HOCKEY INSIDER: Rob Simpson recently reported that the New Jersey Devils were at least one team to express an interest in Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken. The Montreal Canadiens were also rumored to have a strong interest in the 29-year-old forward.

However, the Kraken informed Devils management that McCann wasn’t available. He’s led that club in scoring in every season since their expansion campaign in 2021-22. He also carries a reasonable $5 million average annual value on his contract through 2026-27 with a 10-team no-trade list.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann (NHL Images).

Simpson believes it would take a hefty offer to tempt the Kraken into trading McCann. The trade talk could increase if they’re out of playoff contention following the American Thanksgiving long weekend in late November.

RG. Org’s Jim Biringer believes the asking price for the Devils could be a first-round pick. If Dawson Mercer is part of the deal, they’ll have to add a top prospect as well. If the Kraken need defense, Biringer suggested they might have to offer up Simon Nemec or Seamus Casey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann’s been a good, reliable scorer for the Kraken, but he could be surpassed on their depth chart by younger forwards like Shane Wright or Kaapo Kakko. That could make it easier for the Kraken to peddle him if necessary later this season.

The Kraken would understandably want to get the best return possible if they decide to trade McCann. However, the suggested asking price of a first-rounder or a top prospect like Nemec or Casey, plus Mercer, would probably be too expensive for the Devils.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio reports the Bruins’ recent influx of youth reportedly has management entertaining the idea of trading Fabian Lysell, whom they chose in the first round (21st overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft.

The 22-year-old Lysell made his NHL debut last season, netting three points in 12 games. Fantucchio singled out the lack of consistency in his defensive game. Entering his fourth professional season, this could be a make-or-break campaign for Lysell.

Fantucchio believes Lysell’s trade stock remains relatively high, but that could change if he has another poor showing this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That might explain the recent speculation suggesting Lysell’s availability in the trade market. The Bruins could attempt to cash in while his stock remains high.

The latest on Lysell linked him to the Edmonton Oilers for Matthew Savoie or Vasily Podkolzin, but David Staples of the Edmonton Journal doesn’t see him as a fit with the Oilers.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2025

by | Aug 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2025

Check out the latest on Marco Rossi and Mason McTavish in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: cited a report by Michael Russo of The Athletic claiming there’s been “significant progress” toward a potential new contract for Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old Minnesota Wild center is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Russo speculates an agreement between Rossi and the Wild could be announced in the coming days. He believes it will be a bridge contract.

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited two NHL sources claiming the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken recently revisited their interest in Rossi to see where things stand in his contract talks with the Wild.

Neither source provided specifics as to the Wild’s asking price for Rossi. Both suggested one target could be Kraken winger Jared McCann, who is entering the fourth year of a five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi’s been the subject of trade speculation since last season. It was reported that his camp sought a long-term deal between $6 million and $7 million annually, while the Wild reportedly weren’t willing to go much higher than $5 million on a short-term deal.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin never ruled out trading Rossi, but he consistently stated his preference is to sign the young center. Based on Russo’s report, the latter is more likely to happen.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports the Anaheim Ducks want to re-sign Mason McTavish. Like Rossi, the 22-year-old center is a restricted free agent coming off his ELC and has been the subject of growing trade speculation this summer.

Stephens claims the Ducks intend to keep McTavish, seeing him as an important part of their lineup. He indicated the two sides have gone back and forth on short and long-term proposals. The Ducks may not wish to go to the maximum eight-year deal, but they’re not just looking at a bridge deal.

There’s been lots of speculation about which teams need a second-line center and possible trade destinations for McTavish. Stephens believes teams have asked Ducks GM Verbeek about him.

“You know who else needs a second-line center? Anaheim,” replied Stephens. “And it has one that’s 22 and on the rise with a strong finishing kick to last season.” He believes Verbeek sees McTavish as a core player more than he did former Ducks Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first report I’ve seen this summer from a Ducks beat writer on the status of McTavish’s contract negotiations. All the trade speculation about the young center has come from pundits in other NHL cities.

Stephens pointed out that Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator, which would explain why this situation hasn’t been resolved yet. He also noted that there is still plenty of time for the two sides to get a deal done before training camp opens in mid-September.

We haven’t heard anything from the McTavish camp yet, but that could be because they’d prefer not to discuss those negotiations with the media.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 5, 2025

by | Aug 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen, Islanders prospect Matthew Schaefer, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: On Monday, the NHL announced that Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk will be on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL26 videogame.

Tkachuk is the second Panther to be on the cover of EA Sports’ hockey game. Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck graced the cover of NHL97, following Florida’s surprise run to the 1996 Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link to see the complete list of every EA Sports NHL cover star.

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen said he’s fully recovered from his knee injury and is looking forward to the coming season.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (NHL Images).

“I’m 100 percent back to normal after the surgery,” Heiskanen said. “I’ve been able to practice all summer as usual.”

The 26-year-old defenseman said his knee got some rest following last season, adding that his confidence has returned to where it used to be now that he can practice as he used to.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the article suggests, that’s good news for the Stars and Finland’s 2026 Men’s Olympic hockey team. Heiskanen is currently participating in Finland’s Olympic orientation camp.

DAILY FACEOFF: New York Islanders prospect Matthew Schaefer signed his three-year entry-level contract on Monday. The 17-year-old defenseman was chosen first overall by the Isles in the 2025 NHL Draft.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: cited a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating the bid by a group led by Mario Lemieux to repurchase the Pittsburgh Penguins is well below what the current ownership group wants.

Lemieux and his business partners sold the Penguins in 2021 to Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for a reported $900 million. Friedman speculates their asking price would be around $1.8 billion.

TSN: Former NHL forward Jimmy Vesey signed a two-year contract with Geneve-Surette HC in Switzerland.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last week that Vesey was considering offers from several teams in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. The 32-year-old forward spent last season split between the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche. He has 101 goals and 194 points in 626 NHL regular-season games.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed 23-year-old forward Sam Colangelo to a two-year contract extension. It’s a two-way deal for the coming season and a one-way deal in 2026-27 with an average annual value of $850,000.

NEW YORK POST: Seattle Kraken forward John Hayden and team mascot Buoy were filming a promotional video while fishing in Alaska when a grizzly bear charged them and the film crew.

“I want to blame it on Buoy,” joked Hayden. “They (the bears) were pretty interested in his whole look. We got out of it OK, but it was a close call.”

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Speaking of the Kraken, they announced the hiring of Ryan Jankowski as their new assistant general manager. Jankowski has spent several years with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth in various front-office roles, including four seasons as assistant GM with the Islanders.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: recently reported that the Sabres hope to stage an outdoor game at Highmark Stadium. One date they could consider is Jan. 1, 2028, which would be the 20th anniversary of the first NHL Winter Classic, held at what was then Ralph Wilson Stadium between the Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2025

by | Jul 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2025

The latest on Stars winger Jason Robertson, Ducks center Mason McTavish and Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen reports trade speculation persists about Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million and will become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. He also lacks no-trade protection.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Rosen considers it a 50-50 possibility that Robertson gets traded, indicating it depends on if the two sides can or want to try to get an extension done sooner rather than later. He believes the Stars have enough cap space to make it work. However, they must ensure they have sufficient space to re-sign defenseman Thomas Harley, who is also RFA-eligible next summer with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have $27.9 million in projected cap space for 2026-27 with 15 active roster players under contract. They have enough room to re-sign Robertson and Harley to lucrative long-term deals, but it could cost a combined $18 million, with Robertson getting $10 million annually. That wouldn’t leave much to fill out the remaining depth of their roster.

SPORTSNET: If the Stars decide to trade Robertson, Ryan Dixon has a list of seven potential destinations.

The Los Angeles Kings top that list, partly because they’re Robertson’s hometown team. The Carolina Hurricanes are in “go-for-it mode”, while the Washington Capitals need a scorer for when Alex Ovechkin eventually retires.

Bubble teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings could use a scorer like Robertson. So could the struggling Seattle Kraken. The Utah Mammoth needs a premier young player as they establish themselves in their new market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars aren’t under pressure to move Robertson this summer. They’re cap-compliant after shipping Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They also hold Robertson’s rights until July 1, 2027, when he’ll be UFA-eligible if he hasn’t signed an extension before then.

Robertson has been the Stars’ top scorer since his full-time NHL debut in 2020-21. Moving him would be a significant move on their part, and they won’t want just draft picks and prospects in return.

Given Robertson’s on-ice value to the Stars, they could hang onto him for this season and see how things pan out. Unless they get a comparable player back in a trade, their chances of winning the Stanley Cup this season are better with him in the lineup.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors if the Anaheim Ducks put Mason McTavish on the trade block. The 22-year-old center has the potential to become a prime playoff performer.

McTavish is an RFA without arbitration rights this summer. He’s yet to sign a new contract with the Ducks, which has made him the subject of considerable trade and offer-sheet speculation.

Kuzma believes it would cost the Canucks a roster player, a prime prospect, and a pair of high draft picks to pry McTavish from the Ducks. He cited AFP Analytics projecting the young center receiving a six-year contract with an AAV of $6.67 million. However, Kuzma claimed his camp is pushing for between $7 million and $8 million annually, hence the impasse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first report I’ve seen explaining the lack of progress in McTavish’s contract negotiations. Others have merely speculated about his availability and what it might cost to get him.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator, as former Duck Trevor Zegras learned the hard way. He’s also warned rival GMs that he’ll match any offer for McTavish, assuming the latter is open to signing with another team.

This standoff might not be resolved until training camp opens in September. The longer this goes on this summer, the more we’ll hear McTavish mentioned in the rumor mill.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen believes Evan Rodrigues could become a trade candidate for the Florida Panthers to become cap-compliant when their regular season begins in October.

Rosen anticipates they’ll start the season with winger Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). However, that’ll only be a short-term fix as they must be under the cap when he returns to action later in the season.

Rodrigues is a versatile forward with an affordable $3 million AAV who the Panthers value, but they could have no choice but to move him once Tkachuk returns. Rosen does not doubt that teams have already inquired about his availability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks to repair injuries he suffered last season. Those procedures were likely delayed given his recent nuptials.

Rodrigues will probably still be with the Panthers when they begin their regular season. However, his days in Florida could be numbered if he becomes their likely cost-cutting candidate.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2025

by | Jul 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2025

Chris Kreider talks about his move to the Ducks, the top available UFAs, the arbitration schedule is released, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Former Rangers winger Chris Kreider is gradually adjusting to life with the Anaheim Ducks. He was traded to the Ducks last month after 13 seasons as one of the most productive players in Blueshirts history.

Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Kreider said he was intrigued by the Ducks’ recent hiring of Joel Quenneville as their new head coach. He also likes the club’s young core, especially at center.

The 33-year-old winger revealed he underwent surgery following last season to repair his injured left hand, which hampered his performance. He has recovered and is in training for the coming season.

While he hasn’t traveled to Anaheim since the trade, Kreider intends to make the journey soon. He indicated that he’s found a place where he can be close to his new teammates.

ESPN.COM: Forwards Jack Roslovic and Max Pacioretty, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and goaltenders Ilya Samsonov and Alexandar Georgiev are the notable players among the remaining unrestricted free agents.

Others include forwards Victor Olofsson and Robby Fabbri, defenseman Jan Rutta, and goaltender James Reimer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic has surfaced frequently in the rumor mill. The 28-year-old winger has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, but there’s no indication he’s close to signing with any club yet.

Some of the players available in the UFA market could sign short-term contracts with new teams before training camp opens in September. The rest will consider signing professional tryout offers (PTOs), continuing their playing careers in Europe, or retirement.

PUCKPEDIA: The arbitration hearing schedule was released on Monday for the remaining six restricted free agents who filed on July 5.

Nicolas Robertson, Toronto Maple Leafs: August 3

Dylan Samberg, Winnipeg Jets: July 30

Arvid Soderblom, Chicago Blackhawks: July 28

Jayden Struble, Montreal Canadiens: August 3

Conor Timmins, Buffalo Sabres: August 2

Maxim Tsyplakov, New York Islanders: July 29.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken winger Kaapo Kakko’s hearing was set for July 25. However, he and the club avoided arbitration by agreeing to a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $4.525 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Arbitration hearing dates are usually treated as a deadline for the player and the team to agree to a new contract. Don’t be surprised if the others end up following Kakko’s lead.

Kakko’s new cap hit is nearly double the $2.4 million of his previous deal. Traded to the Kraken from the New York Rangers last December, he fit in well with his new club. After managing 14 points in 30 games with the Rangers, he had 30 points in 49 games with the Kraken.

TORONTO SUN: New Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua will wear No. 81, which was formerly worn by Phil Kessel.

Like Kessel, Joshua is a survivor of testicular cancer. “I knew his story and looking forward to playing a long time here like Kessel did.”

TRIBLIVE.COM: Anthony Mantha has endured season-ending knee surgery and a lengthy rehab, aiming to be ready for training camp in September. On July 2, the 30-year-old winger signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW’s Sheng Peng reports player agent Mike Curran denied a recent report suggesting his client, Kevin Labanc, could be heading to the KHL. Current said Labanc has fully recovered from season-ending shoulder surgery and is “ready to go”.